“A knife?” Ash stared at the both of us like we were crazy.
We nodded.
“It doesn’t explain the wig and mustache.”
“Funny story…” I laughed, trying to ease the nerves, “… our cab driver took a wrong turn and we didn’t want to head home so we went to this bar, and there happened to be a costume shop. We thought why not have some fun, you know?”
We stepped out of the elevator, Ash standing with his arms folded and brow raised. “Why didn’t you call me?” Ash proceeded to whine. “I would have been all for dressing up like an aging porn star.”
Logan chuckled, ripping his mustache off with a pained face and removing his wig. His hair was a wild mess, and I found myself gawking at it like a fool.
“Maybe next time.”
Ash foiled our plan to get naked and join the friends-with-benefits club. It wasn’t such a bad thing. Logan and I were crazy together. It’s like he brings out this other person in me who seems to lay dormant and wants to throw all caution to the wind not realizing the amount of trouble we can and probably will get into.
I’m distracted by my phone. The vibration causing it to sound against the marble top.
Logan: We need to talk. Meet me at my hotel in an hour. My plane leaves at noon.
Why does everyone want to talk this morning? I read the text and quickly erase it, not wanting Wes to see. I pop two Advil in my mouth and accompany it with a tall glass of water.
“I have to go.”
“Where?” Wes questions raising his eyebrow.
“I have that fitness shoot this morning, and have to pick up a couple of things.”
“Right... what things do you have to pick up?”
“Feminine products.”
He instantly backs off, turned off by the prospect of shopping for tampons. The lie pays off as he leaves the room allowing me to finally get some peace and quiet.
Inside the confinement of my room, I quickly respond.
Me: I’ll be there in thirty minutes.
I sort out my bag and pack my things. The shoot is at 11:00 a.m. and if the traffic isn’t too awful, I will have enough time to see Logan then quickly dash to the shoot for hair and makeup. I’m already dressed in my yoga pants and tank, adding a cap to cover my face from the sun.
Wesley is sprawled on the sofa, wearing only a pair of shorts as he
aimlessly channel-surfs. He usually visits the gym early but lately, he’s been hanging around doing nothing. Even though we aren’t together, I’ve noticed his behavior and how he has lost the motivation he once had. A part of me feels guilty, knowing my constant cold shoulder makes it impossible for either of us to be happy. Then I remember how it all started, and I’m back to sporting the shoulder.
“I’m going. I’ll be back after lunch when Karl and Josie arrive.”
“What?” His mood shifts, tone agitated. “We’re fucking filming again today?”
I’m surprised at his outburst. “You wanted to continue filming, Wesley. Poppy’s coming over, so make sure the apartment is clean.”
“We’re both contracted to film…” he softens his voice, “… it’s no fun anymore with you being so—”
“So what?” I cut him off.
“So distant.”
“Maybe I have been distant…” I say in haste, “… but it’s not without reason. Like I said, I’ll be back.”
I walk off making a conscious effort not to slam the door. I’m tired, irritable, and want this day over with. If it wasn’t for meeting Logan, I would have brought George with me. Instead, I’ve left him with a cranky father and an unappetizing bowl of kibble.